This course teaches the fundamentals of the design and construction of
experimental apparatus using astronomical instruments as the model for
the process. We will cover key aspects of some of the most important
topics in the field: optics and optical design, mechanical design and
machining, electronics design and fabrication, real-time computer
control, project planning, and performance analysis. Since we cannot
teach you everything you need to know in a single semester, we will try
to equip you with enough background to be able to continue learning on
your own.

Overall Objectives

By the end of the course, you should have a concrete knowledge of many of
the essentials of instrumentation. You should be able to plan out, schedule,
and organize an instrumentation project and have some idea of what goes into
a project budget. You should understand the steps involved in the mechanical,
optical, software, and electronics design. You should have a good working
knowledge of where to obtain information you need for your project in each
of these areas. You should have concrete knowledge of computer aided design
(CAD) programs for mechanical design (Inventor), electronics design and simulation
(Circuit Maker), and optical design and simulation (Zemax). You will know how to
do basic work with hand tools and with machine shop equipment. You will be
able to assemble and understand some electronics circuits and be able to use
laboratory equipment to test them. You will know the fundamentals of optical
design and be able to design and build a grating spectrometer. You will be able
to use LabView to interface an instrument to a computer.

How the Course Works

Philosophy

Astronomy 392J is a team-taught course where you are part of the team.
There will be only occasional classes in a more conventional seminar/lecture format.
Most of the time, the class will look more like an apprenticeship, an engineering project
course, a physics lab course, or a bunch of curious people let loose in a room full
of great toys. The learning in this course is centered around the activities of teams
of 4-5 students.